In an effort to keep our members informed about current issues, EdCal has asked Sal Villasenor, ACSA legislative advocate, and Lloyd Wamhof, ACSA member assistance advocate, to respond to questions about the California State Teachers Retirement System's recent audits of both individuals and districts to determine if overpayments were made.
MEMBER ASSISTANCE & LEGAL SUPPORT TEAM
Regular ACSA membership gives you access to trained and experienced Member Assistance Advocates to protect your due process rights. Our advocates have a proven track record in resolving work-related concerns before they become a lawsuit. Call 800.608.ACSA
Know Your Rights
Ask yourself the following questions. If any of your answers are yes, chances are you could use ACSA’s help!
- Have my due process rights been violated?
- Does this problem/situation pose a threat to or significantly affect my career?
- Are my employers treating my situation unfairly?
Both individual and group consultations are provided to Regular members regarding:
- Employment contracts
- Demotion and dismissal
- Reassignment
- Administrator evaluation
- Tenure rights
- Credential problems
- Salary concerns
- Unethical behavior
- Defamation allegations
- Grievance procedures
- Legal rights
- Board policy concerns
- Complaint investigations
- Settlement agreements
Direct Legal Assistance:
We’ve got you covered! If necessary our Advocates will authorize two hours of direct legal assistance with one of ACSA’s panel attorneys at no cost to you. Our lawyers are experienced in school law and can help determine if further legal action or litigation is necessary.
If that’s not enough, ACSA can provide:
- $1,000 in additional legal assistance to members based on a 60%/40% split.
- Up to $4,000 in protracted legal assistance for cases in litigation, which is also based on a 60%/40% split.
- $1,000,000 FREE professional liability insurance in excess of your mandated district coverage.
* A person requesting direct legal assistance must have been a Regular ACSA member in good standing for six months at the time his/her problem arose.
Guidelines to Follow when Problems Arise
Each year the ACSA Member Assistance and Legal Support Team works with over 700 members who have questions about administrator rights and a variety of other topics. We offer these following tips before taking any unilateral action or making a decision you may regret if a problem arises.
- Try not to panic and don't make any decisions regarding your employment status including offering to resign or accepting a demand to resign.
- Avoid discussion of the problem with those involved when you are angry or upset.
- Don’t put anything in writing or sign any agreements until you have sought advice.
- Don’t threaten your adversary, go to the press, or attempt to garner public support by meeting with community members to explain your position.
- Resist discussing the problem with your best friends in the district.
- Contact the ACSA Member Assistance & Legal Support Team for assistance as soon as possible at 800-608-ACSA. Don't engage an attorney until you have talked with an Advocate.
- Act in a professional manner at all times.